The Rolex Sea-Dweller, a watch synonymous with professional diving and enduring elegance, has seen several iterations throughout its history. Two models frequently compared, and often debated, are the reference 16600 and its successor, the reference 116600. While both offer exceptional diving capabilities and robust construction, a key difference lies in their thickness, a factor that significantly impacts wearability and overall aesthetic appeal. This article delves deep into the comparison of the Rolex 116600 and 16600, focusing on their thickness and other crucial aspects that make them worthy contenders in the world of luxury dive watches.
Rolex Watches Thickness: A Matter of Design and Functionality
Before directly comparing the 116600 and 16600, it's essential to understand the general context of Rolex watch thickness. Rolex's design philosophy prioritizes robust functionality and water resistance. This often translates to a substantial case thickness, particularly in their professional dive watches. The thickness isn't merely a stylistic choice; it's a necessity to accommodate the complex internal mechanisms, including the helium escape valve (HEV) crucial for saturation diving in the Sea-Dweller line. Therefore, comparing thickness alone without considering the functionality and technological advancements is insufficient.
Sea Dweller 116600 (SD 4000) vs 16600: A Generational Leap
The Rolex Sea-Dweller 16600, produced from 1988 to 2008, represents a significant step forward in diving watch technology. Its robust 40mm case, while thicker than many other Rolex models, was still relatively slim for a professional dive watch. This generation introduced improvements in water resistance and overall durability. However, the 116600, introduced in 2008, marked a notable shift.
The 116600, also known as the Sea-Dweller 4000, boasts a slightly larger 40mm case, but the crucial difference lies in its increased thickness. This increase isn't arbitrary. The 116600 incorporates several advancements that contribute to its larger profile:
* Improved Water Resistance: The 116600 boasts a significantly improved water resistance rating of 4000 meters (approximately 13,123 feet), compared to the 16600's 4000 feet (approximately 1219 meters). This considerable upgrade necessitates a thicker case to accommodate the enhanced sealing mechanisms.
* Larger Movement: The 116600 houses the caliber 3135, a robust and reliable movement known for its accuracy and longevity. While the 16600's caliber 3035 is a proven performer, the 3135 offers certain improvements, including a slightly larger size, contributing to the overall thickness.
* Updated Case Design: The case architecture of the 116600 has been subtly modified to optimize water resistance and structural integrity. These changes, while subtle, contribute to the overall increase in thickness.
* Chromalight Display: The 116600 features Rolex's Chromalight display, offering superior luminescence compared to the 16600's Tritium lume. This necessitates a slightly thicker dial and crystal, contributing to the overall case thickness.
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